Iconic donut and kolache brand taps into homecoming with Shipley Hoco Contest; winning student will have their big night catered with VIP transportation and sweet treats from Shipley
HOUSTON, Sept. 22, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Shipley Donuts, the nation’s largest fresh-made daily donut and kolache brand and an American icon since 1936, is celebrating its hometown roots with one of the state’s most distinctive traditions: homecoming.
From Sept. 22-Sept. 30, 2026, Shipley invites students to share their favorite high school homecoming stories, moments or unique traditions, spanning everything from elaborate mums in Texas to homecoming proposals, on social media. The winner will receive a homecoming night in full Shipley style, complete with VIP transportation to homecoming and sweet Shipley goodies to help make their big night even more memorable.
“For years, students and families have made Shipley part of their homecoming celebrations, promposals and other milestone moments, and we’ve loved seeing the creative ways they bring our donuts into the festivities,” said Shipley Donuts Chief Marketing Officer Bill Leibengood. “This year, we’re making it official by showing up in a bigger way and giving students the full Shipley treatment. It’s our way of celebrating a tradition our guests invited us into and making homecoming even sweeter, with a little Texas twist.”
Show Shipley How You Hoco
From Sept. 22 through Sept. 30, eligible students can participate by:
- Commenting on Shipley’s campaign announcement post with their favorite homecoming story, tradition or moment; OR
- Sharing their homecoming story, tradition or moment in an Instagram or TikTok feed post that:
- Tags @shipleydonuts on Instagram or @shipleydonutsofficial on TikTok
- Includes #ShipleyHocoContest in the caption
After completing one of the social entry options above, participants must submit the official entry form to complete their entry.
The contest is open to participants ages 14 and older with consent from a parent or legal guardian. No purchase is necessary. See the complete Shipley Hoco Contest Official Rules.
Oct. 5 Spirit Day Offer: Free Glazed Donut With Homecoming Gear
To add to the homecoming fun, Shipley will take the celebration nationwide on Oct. 5 with a special Spirit Day offer. Students who show up to participating Shipley locations wearing their school spirit, mums, garters or other homecoming-themed gear can receive one free classic glazed donut, no purchase necessary.
For updates on the campaign, follow along at @shipleydonuts on Instagram or @shipleydonutsofficial on TikTok.
ABOUT SHIPLEY DONUTS
Founded in 1936, Houston-based Shipley Donuts is the nation’s largest brand of fresh, handmade daily donuts and kolaches, with more than 390 franchised and company-owned restaurants across 13 states, serving up its famous donuts, coffee and kolaches to generations of guests. Shipley is ranked No. 134 on Entrepreneur magazine’s Franchise 500® 2026 list and No. 1 in its category and is No. 142 on the Technomic 2026 Top 500. For franchising information, visit ownashipleydonuts.com. Follow Shipley on Instagram and Facebook @ShipleyDonuts and sign up for Shipley Rewards at shipleydonuts.com/rewards to unlock free donuts, discounted coffee, exclusive merchandise and more.
Media Contact:
Sidney Hopkins
sidney@spmcommunications.com
817-329-3257
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SOURCE Shipley Do-Nuts
